President-elect of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko received congratulations from the Presidents of the European Council, the European Commission, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

On behalf of the European Union and the European Commission, a congratulatory letter was sent to Petro Poroshenko on the occasion of his election as President of Ukraine. The letter dated June 3 read as follows: “On behalf of the European Union, we would like to congratulate you on your election as President of Ukraine. The conduct and the outcome of the elections underlined the aspirations of the Ukrainian people to democracy and prosperity, unity and stability.”

The letter went on to say: “No doubt Ukraine is confronted with considerable challenges in the pursuit of such goals, not least, in the field of security. But today we want to express our confidence that, working together with the Ukrainian Government, and on the basis of an inclusive national dialogue, you will be able to carry forward the political reforms. including at constitutional level, and economic modernisation that your country is calling for.”

As the letter from the European Union stated: “A united, stable and prosperous democratic Ukraine is important for Europe. Its most immediate neighbors will be the first to benefit from it. We express the hope that all will understand and cooperate actively with you to make this a reality. The European Union will remain at your side, notably by offering its support and assistance as jointly identified by the EU and Ukraine in the European Agenda for Reform.”

The letter concluded by saying: “ Finally, we reassure you of our commitment to work for a closer political association and economic integration of your country with the EU and in this regard, we look forward to the swift signing of the remaining provisions of the Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. “

Following the results of the successful Ukrainian elections, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had spoken to Petro Poroshenko by telephone on May 28, and congratulated him on having received a strong mandate from the people of Ukraine. The Secretary-General said that “the people of Ukraine expected him to move quickly to steer the country away from political, economic and social instability, and towards security, greater prosperity, and genuine democratic governance.”

Ann Charles is UN Bureau Chief of "Baltic Review" based in New York City. She covers diplomatic activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and the world body's work in human rights, education, culture, the environment, and tourism, among other global concerns.